MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference announced the final standings for the 2025-26 SSAC Learfield Commissioner's Cup, presented by Zest Culinary Services, with UT Southern turning in its best overall finish of the UT Southern era by placing third in the conference all-sports standings.
The Firehawks accumulated 72.85 points to finish behind only William Carey and Life in the overall standings, while also placing third in the women's standings and fifth in the men's standings. UT Southern's strong finish was fueled by six top-three conference placements across multiple sports during the 2025-26 athletic year.
William Carey captured its 10th consecutive SSAC All-Sports Commissioner's Cup after winning 13 conference championships between regular season and tournament competition. Life finished second overall, highlighted by conference titles in men's indoor track & field, outdoor track & field, and men's soccer.
UT Southern continued its upward trajectory across the department with historic performances throughout the year, including program-best finishes in several sports, national tournament appearances, conference individual champions, and continued academic success.
"This accomplishment reflects the hard work and commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff across every program," said Vice Chancellor for Athletics Brandie Paul. "To achieve our highest finish in the UT Southern era speaks to the culture of excellence we are continuing to build. We are proud of the way our teams competed throughout the year and represented the university both on and off the field."
Among the highlights for the Firehawks during the 2025-26 season were the women's basketball team earning the program's first-ever NAIA National Tournament victory, historic success in cross country and track & field, strong postseason performances in softball and tennis, and continued growth across multiple programs.
The Commissioner's Cup scoring formula evaluates the percentage of potential points earned by each institution in the sports it sponsors, with bonus points awarded for conference tournament championships and additional sports sponsorship.
2025-26 SSAC Learfield Commissioner's Cup Standings
All-Sports
- William Carey – 98.14
- Life – 75.00
- UT Southern – 72.85
- Mobile – 71.24
- Dalton State – 70.66
Men's Sports
- William Carey – 86.00
- Life – 82.43
- Dalton State – 79.13
- Faulkner – 69.00
- UT Southern – 65.72
Women's Sports
- William Carey – 99.41
- Life – 68.67
- UT Southern – 67.86
- Mobile – 66.53
- Loyola – 65.00
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